California works towards finalizing flight school certification bill
March 13, 2011, 08:50 pm
California officials are getting closer to finalizing a bill that would alleviate the requirements of the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 for certain flight schools and instructors that do not collect upfront fees from students, according to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
The current act requires flight schools and instructors to pay an initial $5,000 fee, followed by annual $1,000 fees in order to remain operating. The funds are used as a buffer account to refund students for their training dues in the event that the school unexpectedly closes or files bankruptcy.
"We want to be careful that this regulation is not overly burdensome to the point that the quality and availability of flight training in the state is significantly diminished," AOPA's Mark Kimberling said when negotiations fist began.
Access to quality flight training is important, since pilots need to be adequately educated about proper safety procedures while in flight. However, some pilots still end up in fatal accidents despite having completed a number of training hours and having advanced certifications.
There is no amount of preparation that can help pilots evade certain hazards. Pilots should ensure that they have pilot life insurance protection, so their families can be provided for financially in their absence, should they be involved in a fatal accident.
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